MANADO (December 29th, 2023) - As many as 300 Beneficiaries (PM) were seen crowding the KCU Manado Post Office parking lot, Thursday (28/12), waiting for the arrival of President Joko Widodo and Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini. President Jokowi, who was present after his visit to Talaud, immediately greeted the PM to ensure that everyone had received the El Nino Direct Cash Assistance (BLT).

"Has everyone here received it yet? How much did you get?" President Jokowi asked the people who enthusiastically welcomed his arrival.

Beneficiaries answered in unison, "Yes, Mr. President. Four hundred thousand." This simultaneous answer was greeted with smiles by the President and Minister of Social Affairs.

President Jokowi's style in greeting public was different with Minister of Social Affairs. The Minister had been present at the location since morning, even became an impromptu committee member to ensure that the PM could immediately receive the El Nino BLT in the right amount. Not only arranging and adding seats, looking at the overflow of people, the Minister also helped PKH assistants at the registration table, so that people could be served quickly.

"Let me help you, so that everyone can immediately sit down and receive (BLT)," said the Minister while receiving the ID cards of residents who wanted to register and matching them with the list of El Nino BLT recipients in Manado.

El Nino BLT was social assistance provided to boost the purchasing power of the poor and vulnerable, as well as fulfill their daily needs due to rising food prices. The long drought that had hit many parts of Indonesia had caused crop failures and food prices had risen sharply. Because of this, many residents experienced difficulties.

A total of 300 beneficiaries who attended on Thursday (29/12), received assistance for November-December period amounting to IDR 400,000 which was distributed through the post office. Apart from the post office, this BLT was also distributed through the State Bank Association (Himbara) with the same nominal value.

Hajir Tane (49), a beneficiary who was present in the location, never stopped expressing his gratitude for the BLT he received. "Thank you very much, Mrs. Risma, for the help given to me. I want to use this to buy rice," said him gratefully.

Public Relations Bureau
Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs